Some storm survivors only have a roof over their heads this morning, because of open shelters. A Red Cross shelter at First Baptist Church Center Point is housing about 12 people, including children.
At the height of the storm, there were three shelters, now two remain open.
A displaced storm survivor we spoke to only wanted to go by "Sandra". She says she cannot believe she is living in a shelter, but she is grateful it is available for people.
Some people living in the shelters had major damage to their home or their electricity is still off. Others are literally left homeless and lost everything during the tornado.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
One killed in two-vehicle crash in Tuscaloosa County
The Alabama Department of Public Safety says they are investigating a fatal accident on Highway 69 North, near the 156 mile marker.
Troopers say a commercial vehicle is involved and one fatality has been confirmed.
The roadway is currently partially blocked. The Alabama Department of Transportation and the DPS Motor Carrier Safety Unit are on the scene.
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Troopers say a commercial vehicle is involved and one fatality has been confirmed.
The roadway is currently partially blocked. The Alabama Department of Transportation and the DPS Motor Carrier Safety Unit are on the scene.
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Storm victims and first responders offered free tetanus shots
The Jefferson County Health Department gave storm survivors and first responders free tetanus shots.
The Health Department is trying to protect people who could come into contact with the disease while cleaning up storm debris.
The free shots were offered in Center Point and Clay Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Health Department is trying to protect people who could come into contact with the disease while cleaning up storm debris.
The free shots were offered in Center Point and Clay Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Railroad crossing closes for maintenance
Today will be the first day of CSX Railroads temporarily closing one of its crossings.
The crossing on Milldale Road, also known as County Road 99, will be closed for maintenance Thursday and Friday.
Drivers will have to take a detour until that work is completed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The crossing on Milldale Road, also known as County Road 99, will be closed for maintenance Thursday and Friday.
Drivers will have to take a detour until that work is completed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuscaloosa police officer arrested domestic violence charge
The Tuscaloosa Police Department says they had to arrest one of their own after a domestic incident on Tuesday night.
Tuscaloosa PD received the domestic call around 6:00 p.m. At the scene at the 4600 block of Woodland Hills Dr., the victim stated that the suspect was highly intoxicated and destroying items inside the residence. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The Tuscaloosa Fire Department was called in to extinguish a fire the suspect had set in the garage.
Tuscaloosa County Homicide was called in to investigate the incident, due to the suspect being a Tuscaloosa Police Officer. Investigators found probable cause to arrest the suspect for Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree.
The suspect was taken to DCHS for treatment for a cut on his head.
The suspect, 54-year-old Robert Ashley Fourt, is a Sergeant assigned to the patrol division. He has been employed by the Tuscaloosa Police Department since 2003. Fourt has been placed on administrative leave after the incident.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuscaloosa PD received the domestic call around 6:00 p.m. At the scene at the 4600 block of Woodland Hills Dr., the victim stated that the suspect was highly intoxicated and destroying items inside the residence. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The Tuscaloosa Fire Department was called in to extinguish a fire the suspect had set in the garage.
Tuscaloosa County Homicide was called in to investigate the incident, due to the suspect being a Tuscaloosa Police Officer. Investigators found probable cause to arrest the suspect for Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree.
The suspect was taken to DCHS for treatment for a cut on his head.
The suspect, 54-year-old Robert Ashley Fourt, is a Sergeant assigned to the patrol division. He has been employed by the Tuscaloosa Police Department since 2003. Fourt has been placed on administrative leave after the incident.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Big changes may be coming to the Alabama School System
Governor Bentley and the Republican party leadership want to make some big changes to the state's education system this year, that includes charter schools and new tax credits for teachers.
Bentley and the leaders of the house and senate were at Wilkerson Elementary School in Birmingham this morning to lay out a 4-part education agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
Gov. Bentley says he wants to update the methods used to evaluate teachers and start a limited number of charter schools in systems that are underperforming.
He also wants to give local school boards more flexibility to change their policies, and give teachers a $300 tax credit for buying their own classroom supplies.
The governor says he knows charter schools are controversial, but it's time to try something different to help students who are struggling .
Gov. Bentley today said he'd like to see the state experiment with single-sex charter schools, career tech schools, and even a charter school with an emphasis on students with special needs.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Bentley and the leaders of the house and senate were at Wilkerson Elementary School in Birmingham this morning to lay out a 4-part education agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
Gov. Bentley says he wants to update the methods used to evaluate teachers and start a limited number of charter schools in systems that are underperforming.
He also wants to give local school boards more flexibility to change their policies, and give teachers a $300 tax credit for buying their own classroom supplies.
The governor says he knows charter schools are controversial, but it's time to try something different to help students who are struggling .
Gov. Bentley today said he'd like to see the state experiment with single-sex charter schools, career tech schools, and even a charter school with an emphasis on students with special needs.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Parents protest against state takeover of Midfield School System
The Midfield School System will know more today about the state possibly taking over the school system. A meeting will be held in Montgomery to discuss the potential takeover.
Many parents do not want to see that happen. A handful wanted to make a statement, protesting in front of Midfield's Board of Education Wednesday. They say they did not hear about the potential takeover until this week. They threaten to relocate their kids if communication does not improve. Many parents say politics is playing more of a role with their children than education.
"'There's a lot of fighting; there's a lot of gun bringing. There's rumors of boys setting girls hair on fire and it's really getting out of hand," said concerned parent James Banks.
A majority of all of this frustration stems from an incident that took place last fall when Midfield High School Principal Hance Gunn quit after he refused to put the school on lockdown from a gun incident. That situation led to the removal of Superintendent Nakita Williams.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Many parents do not want to see that happen. A handful wanted to make a statement, protesting in front of Midfield's Board of Education Wednesday. They say they did not hear about the potential takeover until this week. They threaten to relocate their kids if communication does not improve. Many parents say politics is playing more of a role with their children than education.
"'There's a lot of fighting; there's a lot of gun bringing. There's rumors of boys setting girls hair on fire and it's really getting out of hand," said concerned parent James Banks.
A majority of all of this frustration stems from an incident that took place last fall when Midfield High School Principal Hance Gunn quit after he refused to put the school on lockdown from a gun incident. That situation led to the removal of Superintendent Nakita Williams.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Moody police investigating woman's murder
Moody police are investigating a murder this morning.
FOX6 News found out that a woman was found shot dead on Scott Drive. Police have taken a man into custody.
The shooting happened around 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night.
Police say it may be a case of domestic violence.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
FOX6 News found out that a woman was found shot dead on Scott Drive. Police have taken a man into custody.
The shooting happened around 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night.
Police say it may be a case of domestic violence.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Midfield Schools facing possible state takeover
A possible state takeover could be put into effect for the Midfield City School System. The Alabama Board of Education will discuss it Thursday during a special meeting in Montgomery.
The state school board has warned the system to improve its finances and fill vacancies, including hiring a principal for Midfield High School.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The state school board has warned the system to improve its finances and fill vacancies, including hiring a principal for Midfield High School.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham Mayor Bell pledges help in storm recovery
Birmingham Mayor William Bell knows all too well what tornadoes can do after April 27th and today he said he's ready to help.
Today at the Birmingham City Council meeting, Bell said the city's fire department still has units in Clay and Trussville helping with the recovery there.
Bell also says the city's traffic engineering department is helping to remove and replace damaged traffic lights and signs in the Winewood Road area near Center Point.
Bell says he's willing to do more because of the help his city received after April 27th.
“I encourage my fellow mayors to call me with any needs they may have,” Bell said. “We believe in neighbor helping neighbor and after April 27th, we had so many of our surrounding muncipalities come to the aid of the city of Birmingham. So we want to return the support that was given to us.”
Mayor Bell also said Birmingham's planning and permits team will be out in the coming days helping to speed up the process of rebuilding.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Today at the Birmingham City Council meeting, Bell said the city's fire department still has units in Clay and Trussville helping with the recovery there.
Bell also says the city's traffic engineering department is helping to remove and replace damaged traffic lights and signs in the Winewood Road area near Center Point.
Bell says he's willing to do more because of the help his city received after April 27th.
“I encourage my fellow mayors to call me with any needs they may have,” Bell said. “We believe in neighbor helping neighbor and after April 27th, we had so many of our surrounding muncipalities come to the aid of the city of Birmingham. So we want to return the support that was given to us.”
Mayor Bell also said Birmingham's planning and permits team will be out in the coming days helping to speed up the process of rebuilding.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Some Jeffco schools to remain closed on Wednesday
A few Jefferson County Schools that will remain closed on Wednesday.
Center Point Elementary and High School and Erwin Elementary and Middle will remain closed.
The district tells FOX6 News all other Jefferson County schools will be open.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Center Point Elementary and High School and Erwin Elementary and Middle will remain closed.
The district tells FOX6 News all other Jefferson County schools will be open.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tornado damage surveyed from the sky
Fox6 News was the first to have a crew in the air on Monday as dawn began to show us the path and the scale of this tornado's destruction. News Chopper 5 from our Raycom sister station in Memphis flew in during the early afternoon to give us fresh eyes from the sky and that is when the real scale of this became so stunning.
In Oak Grove, we saw some of the first signs of damage with a few homes in this small community damaged or destroyed.
In Center Point, homes were tossed around and Center Point Elementary, an almost brand-new school, had its center just wiped out. If you drive up Center Point Parkway regularly, you would probably recognize what used to be the strip mall. The auto repair shop just a block away where there is nothing left to repair of the cars anymore but spare parts.
Just a few miles to the east, a truck is flipped over in the driveway of a home and the roofs of numerous houses in the area are ripped off along with trees snapped down by nature's violent power.
A cul-de-sac in a newer subdivision near Chalkville shows how concentrated the winds were with every home in a 360 degree radius basically flattened by the winds and neighbors left wandering what they can salvage. Just a stone's throw away, the Department of Youth Services Chalkville Campus had several buildings destroyed, but did not report any injuries.
In Trussville, just off Deerfoot Parkway in the Pilgrim's Rest neighborhood, a mom could be seen pushing her child in a stroller and wandering down what yesterday was a calm neighborhood street. Now, she is marveling at what is left of a home and wondering what will become of this neighborhood. Just across the street is another example of the sheer power of the tornado; a partial brick home was simply shoved off its foundation like someone removing the top layer of a wedding cake.
If there was only one picture to take away from the chopper ride, maybe it should be this one: a dozen men perched on top of a roof, chainsaws in hand, already beginning to help their neighbor out. There are a lot of limbs and trees to move, but less than 9 hours after Mother Nature pushed through, these friends are already pushing back.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
In Oak Grove, we saw some of the first signs of damage with a few homes in this small community damaged or destroyed.
In Center Point, homes were tossed around and Center Point Elementary, an almost brand-new school, had its center just wiped out. If you drive up Center Point Parkway regularly, you would probably recognize what used to be the strip mall. The auto repair shop just a block away where there is nothing left to repair of the cars anymore but spare parts.
Just a few miles to the east, a truck is flipped over in the driveway of a home and the roofs of numerous houses in the area are ripped off along with trees snapped down by nature's violent power.
A cul-de-sac in a newer subdivision near Chalkville shows how concentrated the winds were with every home in a 360 degree radius basically flattened by the winds and neighbors left wandering what they can salvage. Just a stone's throw away, the Department of Youth Services Chalkville Campus had several buildings destroyed, but did not report any injuries.
In Trussville, just off Deerfoot Parkway in the Pilgrim's Rest neighborhood, a mom could be seen pushing her child in a stroller and wandering down what yesterday was a calm neighborhood street. Now, she is marveling at what is left of a home and wondering what will become of this neighborhood. Just across the street is another example of the sheer power of the tornado; a partial brick home was simply shoved off its foundation like someone removing the top layer of a wedding cake.
If there was only one picture to take away from the chopper ride, maybe it should be this one: a dozen men perched on top of a roof, chainsaws in hand, already beginning to help their neighbor out. There are a lot of limbs and trees to move, but less than 9 hours after Mother Nature pushed through, these friends are already pushing back.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Four judges recuse themselves from Acker sex abuse case
Four judges have recused themselves from the case of Daniel Acker, Jr., a former teacher accused of sexually abusing students. They say it is because Acker's father is on the Shelby County Commission.
The county commission funds the district attorney's office, so that could be seen as a conflict of interest. Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owens says he stepped down from the case because he did not want the trial to seem tainted since he's friends with acker's father.
"Our job is to avoid the appearance of an impropriety and I didn't want whatever occurred in the end result of that particular case for it to appear that I know and like his daddy or the funding that comes from the county commission had some type of bearing on the merits of that case," said Owens.
Owens says a district attorney and judge from another county will oversee the case.
Acker faces seven charges of sex abuse. Authorities say he confessed to molesting more than 20 girls during his 25 years in the Shelby County School System.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The county commission funds the district attorney's office, so that could be seen as a conflict of interest. Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owens says he stepped down from the case because he did not want the trial to seem tainted since he's friends with acker's father.
"Our job is to avoid the appearance of an impropriety and I didn't want whatever occurred in the end result of that particular case for it to appear that I know and like his daddy or the funding that comes from the county commission had some type of bearing on the merits of that case," said Owens.
Owens says a district attorney and judge from another county will oversee the case.
Acker faces seven charges of sex abuse. Authorities say he confessed to molesting more than 20 girls during his 25 years in the Shelby County School System.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Victim of sexual assault call Finebaum show
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - All week the phone lines have been lighting up at the Paul Finebaum show, callers wanting to share their thoughts on the Krystal's incident.
"It's been crazy,” said producer Daniel Entrekia. “We really couldn't believe this story has gotten as big as it has and has seemed to snowballed and gotten bigger and bigger every day."
And today was no exception. Entrekia answered a phone line. On the other end was a man he didn't expect to hear from. "The moment we thought it was about to start wrapping up Sam from Louisiana called.”
Sam who claims to be the alleged victim seen in the infamous video that shows an Alabama fan exposing himself and simulating a sexual act on an unconscious LSU fan. Here's what Sam tod Paul Finebaum.
"I just want to start off by saying I apologize to everyone for getting so out of my mind drunk that I didn't know what I was doing," said Sam. "I didn't even know it happened to me at the time."
Sam, who would not tell his last name, told Finebaum he didn't learn about the incident until a friend of his called him. Finebaum asked, "Did you feel violated, sexually violated?" Sam responded, “It pissed me off. It pissed me off."
Sam said he couldn't go into detail, but did tell Finebaum what he could remember. "I was with my girlfriend during the game. I didn't have tickets to the game so we watched it on Bourbon Street at the bar. Just the way the game was going, I drank more and more," said Sam. “I remember at the end of the game and I remember my girlfriend wanting to go to Krystal’s. She won't even talk to me now."
Finebaum tells FOX 6, "My guess is he's real, although I'd hate to put money on that."
Is it the victim? Is it not? Whoever was on the other end of the line definitely got a rise out of callers. "I think there's a serious aspect, then there's a bizarre I can’t believe that really happened aspect. Everybody wants to say that's terrible out of one side of their mouth, but they are laughing out of the other," said Finebaum.
Entrexia said, “It's always very interesting up here at the show but it's been a little extra pepper on it this week."
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
"It's been crazy,” said producer Daniel Entrekia. “We really couldn't believe this story has gotten as big as it has and has seemed to snowballed and gotten bigger and bigger every day."
And today was no exception. Entrekia answered a phone line. On the other end was a man he didn't expect to hear from. "The moment we thought it was about to start wrapping up Sam from Louisiana called.”
Sam who claims to be the alleged victim seen in the infamous video that shows an Alabama fan exposing himself and simulating a sexual act on an unconscious LSU fan. Here's what Sam tod Paul Finebaum.
"I just want to start off by saying I apologize to everyone for getting so out of my mind drunk that I didn't know what I was doing," said Sam. "I didn't even know it happened to me at the time."
Sam, who would not tell his last name, told Finebaum he didn't learn about the incident until a friend of his called him. Finebaum asked, "Did you feel violated, sexually violated?" Sam responded, “It pissed me off. It pissed me off."
Sam said he couldn't go into detail, but did tell Finebaum what he could remember. "I was with my girlfriend during the game. I didn't have tickets to the game so we watched it on Bourbon Street at the bar. Just the way the game was going, I drank more and more," said Sam. “I remember at the end of the game and I remember my girlfriend wanting to go to Krystal’s. She won't even talk to me now."
Finebaum tells FOX 6, "My guess is he's real, although I'd hate to put money on that."
Is it the victim? Is it not? Whoever was on the other end of the line definitely got a rise out of callers. "I think there's a serious aspect, then there's a bizarre I can’t believe that really happened aspect. Everybody wants to say that's terrible out of one side of their mouth, but they are laughing out of the other," said Finebaum.
Entrexia said, “It's always very interesting up here at the show but it's been a little extra pepper on it this week."
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jeffco delegation and local mayors to meet over county problems
Members of the Jefferson County Delegation and city mayors from around the county are set to meet on Thursday. The meeting is scheduled to start at 2:00 Thursday afternoon at Fultondale City Hall.
Delegation Chairman Paul DeMarco says they will talk about ways they can work together to help the county deal with the financial troubles it is going through. Any solutions or plans that come from today's meeting will be in addition to a plan commissioners agreed to Wednesday that would bring back the .45% occupational tax. Commissioners will push for a bill to be brought up in the next legislative session to reinstate the tax that they say will raise about $60 million.
Commissioners say without a funding fix, they face hundreds of county layoffs. Commission President David Carrington says some services that are not mandated by law may be cut off soon whether they get the occupational tax or not.
"I don’t' think we want to wait around for 40 million dollars if we've identified some cuts; let's go ahead and cut,” said Carrington. “They're going to have to start picking up the tabs for things, things we used to do as a service can't be done anymore. State drivers licenses, all for cutting that off January 31st."
If the county stops providing driver's licenses that duty will fall to the state.
Commissioners say the $60 million that would come from the occupational tax would be helpful because they need to do more than just fill the $40 million hole; they need the extra funds to do things like open the Bessemer Jail.
As for other cuts, Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos says the county will no longer help cities with their municipal elections. Petelos says because of layoffs, the county no longer has the staff to help. Employees from a number of county departments will have to help with the March 13th primary.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Delegation Chairman Paul DeMarco says they will talk about ways they can work together to help the county deal with the financial troubles it is going through. Any solutions or plans that come from today's meeting will be in addition to a plan commissioners agreed to Wednesday that would bring back the .45% occupational tax. Commissioners will push for a bill to be brought up in the next legislative session to reinstate the tax that they say will raise about $60 million.
Commissioners say without a funding fix, they face hundreds of county layoffs. Commission President David Carrington says some services that are not mandated by law may be cut off soon whether they get the occupational tax or not.
"I don’t' think we want to wait around for 40 million dollars if we've identified some cuts; let's go ahead and cut,” said Carrington. “They're going to have to start picking up the tabs for things, things we used to do as a service can't be done anymore. State drivers licenses, all for cutting that off January 31st."
If the county stops providing driver's licenses that duty will fall to the state.
Commissioners say the $60 million that would come from the occupational tax would be helpful because they need to do more than just fill the $40 million hole; they need the extra funds to do things like open the Bessemer Jail.
As for other cuts, Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos says the county will no longer help cities with their municipal elections. Petelos says because of layoffs, the county no longer has the staff to help. Employees from a number of county departments will have to help with the March 13th primary.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
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